Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has commended the fitness levels of hockey athletes, stating that cricketers do not achieve “even 15 per cent” of the physical standards necessary in hockey. Widely considered one of the fittest cricketers globally, Kohli expressed that hockey players would find cricket training amusing due to the rigorous demands of their sport.
“I know people sometimes view fitness as something exceptional, but for me, it’s simply what the profession requires. It should be standard, not something to be celebrated as special,” Kohli remarked at the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit. “Cricket garners such immense attention in our nation that we frequently neglect other sports. To be honest, we aren’t even 15% of the fitness level of an Indian hockey player. If hockey players observed our training sessions, they would laugh, as their sport demands significantly more,” Kohli further stated.
Kohli’s statements received positive responses from the Indian hockey community, with many appreciating the acknowledgment from the former Indian captain.
Tokyo Olympics bronze medal-winning captain and one of the fittest hockey players, Manpreet Singh, expressed gratitude for Kohli’s recognition. “Virat is a role model for millions. I thank him for acknowledging our dedication and sharing it with the world,” Hockey India quoted Manpreet in a social media post.
“I know people sometimes view fitness as something exceptional, but for me, it’s simply what the profession requires. It should be standard, not something to be celebrated as special,” Kohli remarked at the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit. “Cricket garners such immense attention in our nation that we frequently neglect other sports. To be honest, we aren’t even 15% of the fitness level of an Indian hockey player. If hockey players observed our training sessions, they would laugh, as their sport demands significantly more,” Kohli further stated.
Kohli’s statements received positive responses from the Indian hockey community, with many appreciating the acknowledgment from the former Indian captain.
Tokyo Olympics bronze medal-winning captain and one of the fittest hockey players, Manpreet Singh, expressed gratitude for Kohli’s recognition. “Virat is a role model for millions. I thank him for acknowledging our dedication and sharing it with the world,” Hockey India quoted Manpreet in a social media post.
